On October 19, 2024, over 240 guests from near and far joined us at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to celebrate our 15-year anniversary! Program leaders and youth from across the YVC network, the entire team from YVC Headquarters (Kansas City), and over 120 locals from across Hampton Roads all made it an extra special evening. Together we paid tribute to young people who are Lighting the Way to stronger communities!
With fantastic music from Brother Lucy, an epic silent auction, and a nail-biting ring dance (heads-or-tails style), there was something fun for everyone. Congratulations to Kristin Stephens, who wont the GOLDEN TICKET (she’s going to Italy!), and huge thanks to Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones for providing words of inspiration to those in attendance. Most importantly, we honored all of the amazing youth volunteers who earned special recognition for their efforts to serve their communities with compassion and commitment!
This gala served as the culmination of a 2-day conference co-hosted by YVCHR and YVC Headquarters. The 2024 YVC Summit was an incredible success, with representation from Canada, the U.S. and Uganda, 24 workshops, an immersive poverty simulation and time for fun with new friends! Youth who attended the summit, also completed 4 service projects: bundling 12,500 diapers for the GHR Diaper Bank, building 5 playhouses for families battling pediatric cancer with ROC Solid Foundation, constructing 4 benches for a local preschool, and making 8 shepherd’s pies (from scratch) to feed 50 people in partnership with PiN Ministries.